Good cities outside of Flagstaff?? (Williams, Parks: homes, transferring to, good schools)

[stocktonmomma2]

We might be transferring to Arizona from Central Illinois. What are some relatively cheaper towns outside of Flagstaff with not too much of a commute? We have 2 children and want a safe town with good schools. I am also persuing a RN degree and need a community college. We love to go hiking, fishing, 4 wheeling and motorcycling. Any info you can shed would be wonderful. My husband was in Flagstaff last week and I have not been there yet.
Brandi

[lelise]

Outside of Flagstaff, there is Williams (about 30 minutes away) and Parks (about 15 minutes away). Parks is rural and very pretty (most lots have tall pines), with good schools and people who would probably share your 4-wheeling interests, etc., I don't know that the schools in Williams are very good. In Flagstaff, it is expensive in any rural area with tall pines, but in the meadow area east of Flagstaff called Doney Park, you can find homes starting at about 300K. Look up Northern Arizona Multiple Listing Service. You could look up Flagstaff or Williams from that website.

Flagstaff has Coconino Community College and Northern Arizona University, both of which have RN programs. Flagstaff schools are great, as are Parks'. Be prepared for realtors to tell you that Parks has a water problem, and most homes have water delivered or they pick it up. It doesn't seem to bother them though, as most residents say it's just a wonderful place to raise kids and enjoy the pine country.

Good luck!

[meshel]

Hmmm my husband lost touch with his relatives but allot lived in Flag and we are looking to relocate there. We are living in San Diego, love our weather, location etc. but want to live less expensivley and in more of a small town atmosphere with all the beauty of the outdoors that Flag seems to have. We just had our 5th child 16,15,14,10 6 mos. (the middle 3 would only visit) I grew up in MN and HATE the humidity & mosquitos, he is a CA native but spent time in Flag when he was young with relaives. We are planning to take a trip in 2 weekends to visit and I am bummed to investigate more and hear about the high cost of living & poor jobs and schools. You say Park & Downy are better? any other advice for we are wanting to live more simple and raise our daughter in a safe enviroment, as well as, our son will need good schooling & opportunities... any advice?